Ghana launches Aquaculture Development Fund to boost fish production and food security

GHANA – Ghana has taken a major step toward transforming its aquaculture industry with the launch of the Aquaculture Development Fund, a government-backed initiative aimed at boosting fish production, creating jobs, and enhancing food security. 

The Fund, unveiled by Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on October 30 at the Aquaculture Ghana 2025 conference in Accra, is expected to unlock new investment opportunities and stimulate growth across the aquaculture value chain, potentially increasing demand for aquafeed and its raw materials in the near future.

The Fund was established under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), and will serve as a key instrument for operationalising government support for the sector. 

According to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, it will enhance access to finance, strengthen infrastructure, and accelerate research and innovation to drive growth and sustainability.

“The Fund will open new investment zones, generate jobs, and revitalise local economies from the coastal zone to the hinterland,” she said, adding that aquaculture has become a key pillar of Ghana’s sustainable development vision.

Driving investment and innovation

The Vice-President said the Fund aligns with the government’s broader goal of building a modern, competitive, and inclusive industry that provides nutritious food, decent jobs, and economic prosperity. 

She described aquaculture as more than just fish farming, a strategic tool for improving nutrition, supporting rural economies, and promoting industrial growth through value addition and technology.

“Aquaculture is not only about fish; it is about food security, jobs, and livelihoods. It improves nutrition, supports rural economies, and drives industrial growth through value addition, trade, and technology,” she noted.

As part of the government’s broader aquaculture reform agenda, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang announced that the National Aquaculture Commercial and Training Centre would soon begin operations as a centre of excellence for large-scale fish production, technology transfer, and capacity building. 

She said the facility would enhance training and research, improving efficiency across the production and processing chain.

In addition, a one-stop aquaculture licensing system is being developed to simplify regulatory procedures, lower operational costs, and promote compliance. The Vice-President acknowledged the sector’s persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and slow technology adoption, but assured stakeholders that “targeted measures” were being implemented to overcome these constraints.

Collaboration and future growth

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called for stronger partnerships among government, private investors, and research institutions, emphasizing that collaboration and youth involvement would be critical to the future of aquaculture in Ghana. 

“The future of aquaculture depends on public-private partnerships and cooperation with research institutions. Government, private sector, and universities must work together to scale production, processing, and consumption,” she said.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to driving innovation, inclusion, and job creation in the sector. She commended farmers and entrepreneurs for their resilience, calling them “the foundation of Ghana’s aquaculture transformation.”

Ms Arthur added that the government remains determined to harness the full potential of aquaculture to enhance food security, generate employment, and strengthen the blue economy.

With Ghana targeting a 136% increase in aquaculture production, from 89,376 tonnes in 2021 to 211,697 tonnes by 2027, the launch of the Aquaculture Development Fund marks a significant milestone. 

As investment expands and fish farming intensifies, industry players anticipate a ripple effect on aquafeed demand and raw material supply chains, positioning Ghana as a growing hub for sustainable aquaculture in Africa.

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